Cincinnati Bengals: Some Big Name Free Agent Targets for 2017

Author : Andrew Kim

After going 6-9-1 in 2016, the Cincinnati Bengals had a few key injuries that impacted last season but it's obvious they need younger talent at some positions and need to fill some voids if they want to compete for the AFC North in 2017.

A couple needs that they might need to address include an upgrade at #2 wide receiver, depth at running back, offensive line, defensive line, and the secondary positions. Even though owner Mike Brown of the Cincinnati Bengals is known for resigning their own guys and addressing needs in the draft, they have been known to make a free agent signing or two that can contribute and upgrade for a position of need.

[AndrewK]

1 / 6 If Brown pulls the trigger on spending some money on 1-2 key free agents in 2017, I would look for the focus to be on the trenches and improve the offensive and defensive lines. While some of their 2016 drafted guys are coming back from injury in 2017 and most of their needs could be addressed in the 2017 draft, here are a couple guys in free agency they should look at to fill those needs to contribute in a big way in 2017.

*Keep in mind that these are big name guys and the Bengals are not known for splashes in free agency normally. These are just some players I think that can really good signings because they would fit needs, fit what the team needs schematically, and would be a major part that could turn the Bengals back into a playoff team and be on top of the AFC North like the 2015 Cincinnati Bengals.

Defensive Line- Potential High Priced Upgrades for the defense

Jason Pierre-Paul (DE) - New York Giants

2 / 6 The Cincinnati Bengals could address their pass rushing need in the draft but they may pass on that and bring in Jason Pierre-Paul from the New York Giants that can play opposite of Carlos Dunlap. This is a pretty big need as Michael Johnson is getting older and more production in sack totals other than Dunlap and Geno Atkins on that defensive line. JPP fits the mold of a taller, longer defensive end that they prefer and would be a formidable duo at defensive end. While this may not happen as it could cost some to get him, it would be a great fit if Mike Brown was willing to spend some money in free agency.

Dontari Poe (NT) - Kansas City Chiefs

3 / 6 If the Cincinnati Bengals want to move on from Domata Peko at nose tackle, Dontari Poe from the Kansas City Chiefs can be a nice upgrade and be that big body guy to stop the run. A duo of Geno Atkins and Dontari Poe could lead to one of the best defensive lines in 2017.

The Bengals may not be willing to pay big money for Poe due to wanting Andrew Billings to step in after a year getting injured in 2016. Billings, a former 4th round pick from Baylor in the 2016 NFL Draft, was considered a Day 1 or 2 defensive tackle prospect as a nose tackle but questionable and limited impact as a true nose tackle for all 3 downs and some injury concerns caused him to fall till Day 3 of the 2016 NFL Draft. While he was considered a major steal in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Bengals may see him as a rotational player as they may not be comfortable with him starting to replace Peko if he not resigned.

[Sean2]

Offensive Line- Some options for pass protection from the NFC North

T.J. Lang (OG) - Green Bay Packers

4 / 6 With Kevin Zeitler as a pending free agent, offensive guard is a need and could be addressed with an established veteran in T.J. Lang at offensive guard. If Lang is not resigned, he could provide as a very good replacement for Zeitler and help protect Andy Dalton in the trenches.

The Bengals do have Christian Westerman as a potential option at offensive guard. He was drafted in the 5th round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Arizona State. Inevitably, I think this need is addressed through free agency; either by resigning Zeitler or by signing someone that can start right away to bolster the offensive line that was a big weakness in 2016.

Riley Reiff (OT) - Detroit Lions

5 / 6 I think they should resign Andrew Whitworth but it has been reported that he wants to play for a playoff caliber team. If the veteran left tackle walks, I can see the Bengals addressing this need in free agency or with some of their highly drafted offensive tackles in previous drafts but have struggled when they have played. An above average starter like Riley Reiff of the Detroit Lions could play left tackle or right tackle for them and can be a versatile starter on the offensive line.

The Bengals could stick it out and play their young offensive tackles Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher. Both were Rounds 1 and 2 draft picks in the 2015 NFL Draft and while Fisher has not played a ton in the NFL coming out of Oregon as a 2nd round pick, Ogbuehi from Texas A&M as a former 1st round pick was not good when he started at right tackle. He was a weak link on the offensive line last season and when Fisher did play some as a backup to almost all offensive line positions, he did not show much promise either.

Both have to get better in order for the Bengals to feel confident in their young players to start and protect Dalton at the offensive tackle positions. I think the Bengals desperately try to bring Whitworth back but if they fail, I think they find a decent starter in free agency for 2017.

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